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INSIDER PICKS IN SAINT-GILLES
by Gilles, founder and curator of Le Comptoir Belge.
“A local deli is often one of the last places where people still talk to each other. It’s a small anchor in the neighbourhood, a place where people feel recognised, welcomed, and part of something. Beyond selling products, it creates community, conversation, and a sense of belonging.”
"Le Comptoir Belge is a neighbourhood deli celebrating the best of Belgium. It’s a small shop with a big soul: a place where people come to discover new flavours, reconnect with local craftsmanship, and enjoy a moment of humour and hospitality. Every product has a story, every shelf is curated, and the experience is as important as the items themselves."
→ @le_comptoir_belge
“I curate a tightly selected range of Belgian products, from craft beers and artisanal chocolates to biscuits, sweets, spirits, and seasonal specialties. Everything in the shop is made in Belgium, exclusively. I work only with local artisans and producers whose craftsmanship, creativity, and values I believe in. I also actively promote Belgian wine, which remains a hidden gem for many. Introducing customers to the creativity and quality of our local winemakers is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Beyond the products, I host tastings and small events that bring people together around flavour, curiosity, and a sense of discovery.”
“People don’t need endless choice, they need meaningful choice. A curated selection is a form of care. It filters out the noise and keeps only what’s good, honest, and worth discovering.”
“Customers today are looking for authenticity, for products made by real people with genuine passion. I wanted to create a place where they can trust the selection, feel inspired, and enjoy a moment of connection.It’s a slower, more intentional way of doing retail."
"Limited editions, seasonal flavours, and collaborations work extremely well. Online trends do influence behaviour: a beer that goes viral, a hot sauce highlighted by a foodie, or a spirit trending on TikTok can create sudden demand. But customers still come to the shop for guidance — they want a real conversation, not just an algorithm."
"Our bestsellers are craft beers brewed in Brussels or nearby, with a strong focus on small, passionate breweries. We also offer a carefully curated selection of gueuzes and lambics, spontaneous fermentation beers that are a true Belgian treasure and attract both locals and international enthusiasts.On the sweet side, our bean-to-bar chocolates are extremely popular. People enjoy discovering chocolates made from scratch by artisans who oversee every step of the process, from the cacao bean to the finished bar."
“We’re located on Avenue Jean Volders in Saint-Gilles, a lively and characterful street with a strong food culture. It’s a neighbourhood where independent shops thrive and where people genuinely enjoy supporting local artisans.We’re surrounded by other high-quality food spots like Saucisses, Boulengier, and Saint Octave, as well as passionate businesses such as Boucan, Les Yeux Gourmands, and many others. There’s a real sense of community and craftsmanship. It’s a place where good products and good people naturally find each other.”
“I love small cafés, independent food shops, and places where artisans put their heart into what they do.”
→ 01. SAUCISSES - Jean Volderslaan 55→ 02. MON BOULENGIER - Jean Volderslaan 11
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"One of my favourite spots is Chien Andalou, a cosy, slightly bohemian bar with a warm atmosphere — the kind of place where you can unwind, chat, and feel the neighbourhood’s creative energy. Saint‑Gilles is full of these human‑sized, characterful places, and that’s what makes the area so special."
→ CHIEN ANDALOU - jean volderslaan 25